Former Auburn quarterback Holden Geriner might finally have his chance to lead an offense.
In year five, at his third school, Geriner led Pitt to a 35-33 win over Virginia Tech that came down to a missed kick by Hokies kicker John Love. Geriner entered the game after Mason Heintschel went down with a leg injury and didn't return. Heintschel was seen with crutches next to him on Friday night.
Geriner completed eight of 12 pass attempts for 78 yards, including a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to go up 35-24 and ultimately seal the deal against VA Tech. For the game, Geriner had a solid 148.8 passer rating.
This was Geriner's third appearance for the Panthers this season. Geriner completed 11 of his 14 passes against Miami OH and Bucknell, completing a touchdown pass during a 59-0 destruction of the Bison.
Geriner played for Texas State last year after transferring from the Plains and had just one pass attempt, which was incomplete against James Madison. He left San Marcos, Texas, after just one year and landed with Pat Narduzzi.
That's looking like a great decision.
Why did Holden Geriner leave Auburn?
Geriner left Auburn along with Walker White and Hank Brown following the 2024 season.
Hugh Freeze lost his entire quarterback room ahead of his final year coaching the Tigers in 2025.
While Geriner never explained his departure from Lee County, Alabama, it was clear after Deuce Knight committed and the program landed Jackson Arnold and Ashton Daniels in the transfer portal that he wasn't getting his shot.
Geriner was recruited by Bryan Harsin in 2022 but stuck around for two additional seasons under Freeze.
Holden Geriner committed to Pitt to mentor, but may now start
Geriner may have gotten more than he bargained for in the Steel City.
As he revealed in the offseason, Geriner committed to Pitt to be Heintschel's mentor as a four-year veteran upperclassman entering year five.
"The message was 'come in and push him to be the best that he can be,'" Geriner said, referencing Heintschel. "He's a young guy who has had a lot of success and has a tremendous amount of upside. I saw a great opportunity to come in and work with him and all the other guys as well.
"I'm super excited to continue building that relationship with him. Giving him some wisdom and things that I've experienced in my past and big games. So, that was really the message, and I look forward to helping him this year."
Geriner's biggest help may be his fill-in efforts. Until further notice, he's taking over for the injured Heintschel.
Game one went as well as it could go for Geriner, luckily.
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